Top 3 at Holy Cross Academy find faith, values most important

ONEIDA CASTLE >> Holy Cross Academy couldn't narrow it down to a top two this year, Valedictorian Alanna Glidden and Salutatorians Maggie Vanderhoof and Kaylee DeZalia were chosen this year to represent the school's highest achievers.

Glidden plans to attend Le Moyne College for biology, eventually taking a focus in premedical studies. She wants to become a doctor or work in some facet of the medical field. "I'm going into medicine because my mother is very sick, and I want to be able to help sick people," Glidden said.

Vanderhoof plans to attend Daemen College for physical therapy, potentially to become a physical therapist. "My whole family works in the medical field, and I have grown up with a physical therapist that inspired me," Vanderhoof said that her friend's mother, Kathy Cummings influenced her decision.

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DeZalia will be attending SUNY Brockport for nursing, eventually she wants to become a nurse or work in a similar field. "I want to be around people and be able to help people," DeZalia said.

All three of the girls said that English was their favorite subject in school. Glidden and Vanderhoof both played soccer for Holy Cross throughout high school and led student council as president and vice president their senior year. DeZalia said that Select Choir is her go-to extra curricular activity.

Glidden said that her parents and her English teacher Jeremiah Williams have been important role models for her.

"My mother has been very strong in her fight against cancer," Glidden said. Mr. Williams and my father are both nice, honest and strong in faith. I hope I can be like the three of them."

"I really looked up to my history teacher Mrs. Rudd and my sister Judy," DeZalia said. "They both have such strong personalities and are helpful."

The three girls said that faith played a role in their choice of college, though not as big as their futures.

"Le Moyne is a Catholic school, but I chose it mainly for my studies," Glidden said. "It seemed like a good fit."

"Daemen had the best physical therapy program for me," Vanderhoof said. "Though Daemen is no longer as religious as it was, God led me to my decision."

DeZalia said that Brockport is not a religious institution, but she hopes that she can make a good impression and set an example for fellow students to follow.

The three girls said they were surprised that there were two salutatorians this year, though it happened in 2009 as well. The girls said they have always been the top three in their class, DeZalia and Vanderhoof have always been neck-and-neck behind Glidden.

The girls said that faith, self-esteem and hard work are the most important things for those who want to succeed.

"Hard work is important," Glidden said. "Be true to your own beliefs and values. Don't submit to peer pressure."

"Stand-up for what you know is right," DeZalia added.

"Always remember to be true to yourself," Vanderhoof said. "Always have faith in God. He'll bring you what you need if you work hard."